Baron Rayleigh

Joseph Strutt had earlier declined the offer of a peerage, 'under a cloak of false humility', and instead proposed that the honour be given to his wife. She was the daughter of James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster, and his wife Lady Emily Lennox, the second of the famous Lennox sisters. Her elder brother was Charles FitzGerald, 1st Baron Lecale, and her younger brother was Lord Edward FitzGerald.

The title is currently held by the fourth Baron's grandson, the sixth Baron, who succeeded his uncle in 1988. The family seat is Terling Place in Essex.

Barons Rayleigh (1821)

• Charlotte Mary Gertrude Strutt, 1st Baroness Rayleigh (1758–1836)
• John James Strutt, 2nd Baron Rayleigh (1796–1873)
• John William Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh (1842–1919)
• Robert John Strutt, 4th Baron Rayleigh (1875–1947)
• John Arthur Strutt, 5th Baron Rayleigh (1908–1988)
• John Gerald Strutt, 6th Baron Rayleigh (b. 1960)

The heir apparent is the present holder's son, the Hon. John Frederick Strutt (b. 1993).